I fell in love with visiting Finland in winter last year, so when given the chance to explore the North Savo region in the heart of Lakeland Finland this winter, I jumped at the chance. Over the course of several days, I got to experience the winter magic of an underrated region that exceeds all expectations and surprises travelers with its vast range of activities in the snow.
North Savo offers incredible winter experiences, with thousands of lakes and mountains transforming into a playground of ice and snow. Though often considered a summer destination, it is from December to April when North Savo truly comes alive with thrilling snow sports and outdoor adventures like snowmobiling, skiing, and dog sledding.
However, the region also has a quieter, more relaxed side that can be found in the region’s amazing saunas and spas, cozy accommodations, and restaurants. As such, a trip to Kuopio and Tahko combines adventures with relaxation, offering everything you dream of while planning your winter getaway to Finland.
I visited Kuopio and Tahko on a press trip. Therefore, this article was written in partnership with Destination Savo. As always, all opinions expressed are my own and reflect my own experience.
Why should you visit Kuopio and Tahko in winter?
There are many reasons why one should head to Kuopio and Tahko, but the following three are the most intriguing reasons to visit North Savo in winter:
It is a stunning region that has a lot to offer for travelers of every kind. You can do all kinds of winter outdoor activities, relax in saunas and spas, stay in incredible resorts, enjoy Finnish cuisine, and more.
The Savo region is the perfect alternative to the crowded Lapland. The region offers all the accommodations and activities one can do in Lapland – in some cases for only a third of the price you would pay in Lapland.
Kuopio is easily accessible by train from Helsinki. You could also fly there, but given how scenic the train ride is, it would be a pity to opt for a flight.
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Kuopio & Tahko Itinerary Overview
Have you already read this North Savo winter itinerary and want to book your trip now? Then this overview is exactly what you need!
Find the best rental car prices in Kuopio.
- Day 1 & 2: Kuopio
- Day 1: Welcome to Lakeland Finland — Puijo Peak & Kuopion Saana
- Day 2: Where Nature and City Meet — Husky Sledding, Kuopio & Finnish Cuisine
- Where to stay: Bella Lake Resort (2 nights)
- Day 3 & 4: Tahko
- Day 3: Adventures in the Snow — Snowshoeing & Snowmobiling
- Day 4: Slow-Paced Mountain Views — Winter Hike & Lähde Forest Spa
- Where to stay: Break Sokos Hotel Tahko (1 night)
North Savo Itinerary: 4 Days in Winter
About This Itinerary
This North Savo itinerary is an adjusted version of my own trip to Kuopio and Tahko and is ideal for everyone looking to fully experience Finland in winter while venturing off the beaten path. It allows you to experience the very best of the region by combining outdoor adventures in the snow with relaxing spa visits and gastronomic experiences.
Overall, it has a more relaxed pace so you can enjoy the stunning landscapes all around you, take in the experiences, and spend some time in the amazing accommodations this region has to offer.
In addition to that, it also takes into account that the hours of daylight vary a lot depending on when in winter you head to North Savo.
How to Get to Kuopio
While there are several daily Finnair flights from Helsinki to Kuopio Airport (KUO), I highly recommend taking the train instead. After all, the train ride past the lakes of Lakeland Finland is incredibly scenic and you get to watch the sunrise along the way. Of course, it is also the most sustainable option, which makes it the ideal mode of transportation.
There are several train departures from Helsinki to Kuopio per day, and to make the most of your first day in North Savo, it is best to take the earliest or second train of the day.
On Sunday, the earliest train departs at 8:26 AM, on all other days of the week, the first train departs at 5:57 AM. Taking these trains usually has you arrive between 10 AM and 12:30 PM. The fastest trains take around 4:10 hours. It is best to book the train on the official website.
Alternatively, you can also take a long-distance bus. The fastest buses are the direct Onnibus ones which run every day of the week and take you from Helsinki to Kuopio in around 5:30 hours. If you take a direct Flixbus, it takes around 6:30 h to get there. Booking your trip with Flixbus tends to be slightly cheaper, but the route is only served on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.
Day 1 & 2: Kuopio
Your time in North Savo begins with two days in Kuopio, the capital of Lakeland and the biggest city in the region. Since the city is built on islands, it is a place where nature is never more than 500 m away. As such, it perfectly combines city living with outdoor adventures and peaceful nature.
Day 1: Welcome to Lakeland Finland
If you are heading to Kuopio from Helsinki, your first day in North Savo will likely start with a scenic train ride during which you will see the sunrise. Upon arrival, you will then jump straight into the first winter adventure that will grant you a scenic view of the frozen lakes and will enchant you with a themed walk. It is the perfect introduction to winter in Lakeland Finland.
Puijo Peak
Chances are, that you arrive in Kuopio around midday, so the first thing you will want to do is eat lunch. Luckily, you can eat what locals consider one of Kuopio’s best lunches right at your first stop of the day. Ravintola Puijon Maja is part of the Puijo Peak nature activity park, and has a great lunch menu that changes daily. From Monday to Friday (10:30 AM – 2 PM), you can get lunch for 13,70€.
After lunch, it is time to explore what else Puijo Peak has to offer. Established in 1928, it is the oldest private protected nature preserve in Finland, and was acquired by its current owners in 2019.
Since then, existing facility have been renovated and new experiences were added. Thanks to this, Puijo is the perfect place to spend most of the afternoon.
If you want to go for a short walk, the 300 m long themed nature trail is the ideal route. You will be walking on a boardwalk for most of the trail, and there are all kinds of lit-up installations that will have you feel like you are exploring a magical winter wonderland.
Another great activity is snow tubing. For only 12€ per person, you can race down the hill in a tub for 2 hours. However, this activity is usually only available during the peak season and on the weekends.
I recommend doing my personal highlight last, as it will be even more amazing during the golden hour. The 75m high Puijo Tower was built in 1963, and there is a viewing platform at the top of the tower. From here, you will have an incredible view of the surrounding area and it becomes obvious why Lakeland Finland is so magical in winter.
The tower is open from 10 AM – 5 PM (Mo-Sa; 11 AM – 4 PM So) and the entry fee for the observation platform is 8,50€ for adults, 7,50€ for students, and 5,50€ for children (3-12). You can also do a virtual ski jump for 5€.
In addition to the observation platform, there is also a rotating restaurant, which was the first one to be built in Scandinavia.
Torniravintola is the perfect place to eat dinner if you are looking to treat yourself to a fancy meal. From Tuesday to Friday, the restaurant opens at 5 PM. Meanwhile, it is open from 1 to 10 PM on Saturday and 12 PM to 6 PM on Sunday.
Kuopion Saana Spa
Few things are as Finnish as saunas, so visiting one of them is the perfect way to end your first day in North Savo. Located only 200 meters from Bella Lake Resort, Kuopion Saana Spa is only a short walk along the lakefront away from your accommodation. As such, you can simply walk there in swimwear and a bathrobe – that is, if you can handle the cold.
Once at Kuopion Saana, you can relax in a selection of saunas, go for a swim, or simply enjoy sitting in a jacuzzi. My personal favorites were the outdoor smoke sauna and the heated outdoor pool that overlooks the lake.
If you dare to do it, you can also go ice swimming in the lake. I originally did not plan on doing it, but I am really glad that I did as it is a revitalizing experience that has your skin prickling.
If you stay at the Bella Lake Resort, you can visit the spa free of charge for two hours. Otherwise, you will have to pay the regular entry fee. According to the website a visit from Sunday to Thursday costs 16€, while a visit on the weekend from Friday to Saturday costs 19€.
There is also a restaurant on site so you can eat dinner at Kuopion Saana if eating at the Puijo Tower restaurant does not suit your plans.
Where to Stay in Kuopio
Bella Lake Resort
If you are looking for a family-owned accommodation in Kuopio that makes you feel like home while also offering you a luxurious experience, the Bella Lake Resort is the perfect choice. Located right at the shore of Lake Kallavesi, the 18 lake suites in cabins are the perfect getaway for anyone looking to unwind and reconnect with nature without actually leaving the city.
Once the location of a factory, the area has been completely transformed by the owner of Bella Boats. Four years ago the Kuopion Saana Spa and a restaurant were built, and in December of 2023, the accommodations were added.
The cozy cabins were constructed by a local company with wood from nearby forests, and the theme of using local products continues to this day in the form of a delicious Finnish breakfast in the main cabin.
All of the suites have a rather luxurious, natural design, and have a pier so you can go for a swim in summer or ice swimming in winter.
The highlights of the resort are the 9 suites with a private sauna from which you can look out towards the lake. You have to book a Bella Sauna Suite or Deluxe Suite if you want to have a private sauna in your cabin. All suites also come with a complimentary Kuopion Saana Spa visit.
I have stayed in a lot of incredible hotels and resorts all around the world, but the Bella Lake Resort easily made it into my top 10 list. I would have loved to stay there for an entire week, and will definitely be staying at the resort again in the future.
Day 2: Where Nature and City Meet
Start out your second day in North Savo by eating a delicious breakfast at the Bella Lake Resort. You can do so at the reception building, but if you want to treat yourself, I recommend ordering the food to your cabin. This way, you can eat breakfast on the cabin’s deck facing the lake to watch the sunrise. Go for an ice swim from your pier if you want and hop in the sauna before getting ready for another day of winter adventures in Kuopio.
You have to order the breakfast delivery the night before by 6 PM. I recommend doing so while checking in.
Dog Sledding with Sawo Husky
If you have always dreamed of dog sledding in Finland but want to ensure it is done in an ethical way where the wellfare of the dogs is the first priority, Sawo Husky in Lempyy is what you are looking for.
It is the company of Laura Kääriäinen, a two time Finnish champion and who also placed 3rd in the dog sledding World Championship. Aside from training for races, she has been offering dog sledding safaris since 2014, and the safaris truly are the bucket list experience you expect them to be.
The daytime 5 km safaris cost 130€ per adult and 60€ for children (4 – 12), and the experience takes around 1:30 h. You can choose between three different starting times: 10 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1 PM. Alternatively, you can also go on an evening safari, which starts at 6 PM and costs 10€ more. Weather permitting, 13 km long husky safaris are available for 250€ per person.
Usually, you can drive the dog sled yourself, but due to the icy ground, it was not possible. However, I honestly did not mind as it was rather amazing to be driven in a dog sled by a two time Finnish champion.
To protect the dogs, dog sledding with Sawo Husky is not possible if the temperatures drop below -20°C. A rule that I very much appreciate, as it is a clear indicator that the well-being of the dogs is more important than tourist money. Sadly, this is not always the case with other companies offering dog sledding in Scandinavia.
After sledding, you get to cuddle with the huskies, and I loved it so much that I was tempted to skip lunch in the small hut on site. However, the promise of a hot soup eventually convinced me to head inside, where Laura told us more about her huskies and dog sledding.
She has a lot of stories about her 37 Siberian Huskies, many of which were born within the Ice Age kennel, and it was great to learn that the dogs stay with her as part of the family after they retire from dog sledding.
Alternative: Ice Skating
If the weather does not allow for dog sledding, you go ice skating on the 12,5 km long Finland Ice Marathon track on Lake Kallavesi. Usually, it is open from January to March, but I recommend checking the conditions of the track here. You can rent ice skates (or kicksleds) at the M/S Queen R boat cafe close to the ice skating track.
Alternatively, you can also go cross-country skiing on the trails on the ice. Cross-country skis can also be rented at the boat cafe.
Kuopio City Center
No trip to Kuopio would be complete without exploring the city’s historic center, so spend the afternoon roaming the streets. One of the most interesting locations is the ‘Kuopion Kauppahalli’, the Market Hall.
The market has been at its current location since the 1850s, which led to the construction of the Art Nouveau-style market hall building in 1902. It is home to 30 stalls selling local products ranging from meat, fish, baked goods, and bread to flowers and fashion. There is also a cafe in the glass pavilion built during the 2012/2013 renovation.
If you happen to visit the region between mid-December and Christmas, you can also visit the Christmas Market right at the town square.
Another rather peculiar sight is the Veljmies statue behind the market hall. It is a bronze sculpture of a naked man holding two fish and was sculpted by Heikki Konttinen in 1959. Funnily enough, it was a gift from the city’s entrepreneurs for Kuopio’s 175th anniversary. The city is now celebrating its 250th anniversary and I really hope they add another statue that showcases the local’s sense of humor.
Dinner at Musta Lammas
In Lakeland Finland, city and nature also meet on your plate, and if you are looking for a culinary treat in Kuopio that highlights this connection, there is no better place than Ravintola Musta Lammas. After eating at this restaurant, you will not be able to deny that Finland is a foodie destination.
The restaurant, whose name translates to ‘Black Lamb’, opened in 1982, and you dine in the vaults of a former beer factory that dates back to 1862. It is a setting that sets high expectations, and the food you are served at Musta Lammas meets them from the first bite. A fact that should not have surprised me, as it is a nationally awarded restaurant that has won the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs three years in a row.
The service is top-tier, and they are very accommodating of dietary restrictions. They had to replace 2 courses for me, and the alternatives were beyond delicious.
I was served an onion soup instead of a mushroom soup and the flavors can only be described as a culinary symphony – something I certainly never expected to write about onion soup. Please note that you should notify them of dietary restrictions when you reserve the table.
For a full culinary experience, you should order the four-course menu that changes every season. However, you can also order the dishes separately. A four-course meal costs 45€.
Day 3 & 4: Tahko
After two days in and around Kuopio, it is time to head to the nearby Tahko. While it is a ski resort, the town offers a large range of winter activities including winter hikes and snowmobiling. And of course, there are also a lot of great restaurants in town.
Day 3: Adventures in the Snow
Eat breakfast at the Bella Lake Resort before driving to Tahko where more winter adventures await you. The driving time from Kuopio to Tahko is at least 54 minutes (64 km), and upon arrival, I recommend dropping off your luggage at your hotel before heading out for the first activity of the day.
Snowshoeing
I started my first day in Tahko by snowshoeing in the forest and it was the ideal way to experience the magic of Finland’s nature. With every step, I could hear the crunch of the snow and when I looked at the sky, I was fortunate enough to see extremely rare, rainbow-colored Polar Stratospheric Clouds. As such, it was a marvelous experience.
Given that I visited Tahko with a larger group, we ended up doing a guided snowshoeing tour with Tahko Safarit. The 2 hours tour included a stop at a shelter, where we had some sweet berry juice, and is the ideal option if you have never been snowshoeing before. However, there is a 5-person minimum.
Alternatively, you can also rent snowshoes in town and tackle one of the winter hiking routes in the area on your own. Hereby, I recommend the 1,2 km long route from Tahko Laakso to Nallekarhu ‘Teddy Bear Shelter’. This route also takes you to the Tahko Observation Tower from which you will have a great view. Start your snowshoeing trip at the Huutavanholma gate at the Tahko Valley parking area.
Snowmobiling
If you are feeling the need for speed and have always wanted to ride a snowmobile, you should do so in Tahko. After all, there are 113 km of local snowmobile routes that have you explore everything from mountains to frozen lakes.
I booked my snowmobiling trip with Tahko Safarit and my inner speed demon had a blast. While I had no prior experience, I felt perfectly safe as we were accompanied by experienced guides. Ahead of the tour, they teach you how to drive a snowmobile and will help you if you encounter any issues along the way. All equipment is provided and insurance is included.
There are snowmobile tours for all experience levels including 24 h tours and multi-day trips, but the following safaris are the most popular options for a minimum of 4 participants:
Campfire Safari (2 h) — 110€ pp (2 people on snowmobile) & 145€ pp (1 person on snowmobile); drive a snowmobile and enjoy lunch at a campfire; start at 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, or 3 PM
Landscape Safari (3 h – max. 35 km) — 145€ pp (2 p. on snowmobile) & 185€ pp (1 p. on snowmobile); drive on mountains, frozen lakes, and through forests; campfire picnic included; start at 9 AM, 12 PM, or 3 PM
Moonlight Safari (2 h) — 115€ pp (2 people on snowmobile) & 155€ pp (1 person on snowmobile); drive through the winter forest and have a snack at a campfire; if you are lucky, you might see the Northern Lights; start at 5 PM or 7 PM
Half-Day Safari (5 h – max. 85 km) — 395€ pp; a tour through the winter landscape that includes a mountain crossing; excursion drinks and soup lunch included; some experience ideal; start at 9 AM or 2 PM
If you are planning your trip based on this North Savo itinerary, I recommend booking a safari that starts at 12 PM (Campfire Safari) or 1 PM (Landscape Safari). Both include food, so you do not have to worry about where to eat lunch.
Please note that there is a zero-alcohol policy and that a driver’s license is required if you want to drive a snowmobile. There is also a minimum height requirement of 1.40 m for passengers.
It is also possible to rent a snowmobile and explore the area. Please note that you should only do so if you have a significant amount of prior experience. Prices start at 140€ for 2 hours and a full day (9 AM – 5 PM) costs 320€.
Alternative: Skiing
If you do not feel like snowmobiling, you can also opt to hit the slopes for a few hours. With 25 slopes and 15 lifts, the ski resort offers a good variety of slopes for every skill level. The western slopes of Tahko Mountain are beginner-friendly, while the eastern slopes are for advanced to expert skiers.
On average, the slopes have a length of 700 to 800 meters, with the longest run being 1 km with a vertical drop of 200 meters. There are also three freestyle parks: Tahko Park, Tahko Freestyle Park, and Tahko Kids Slopestyle.
A one-day ski pass (valid from 9:30 AM to 7 PM) costs 52€, with a 1€ discount if you buy it online. If you only want a few runs down the mountain while in Tahko, you can also buy a slightly discounted two or three-hour ski pass. Multi-day passes are also available.
During the entire ski season from December to April, you can rent gear at two places in Tahko: Ski Mac (42€/day) and Hill Ski Rent (37€/day). Of course, there is also a ski school, so you can take lessons to brush up on your skills.
Dinner at SooSoo Restaurant
After a day full of adventures in the snow, it is time for a relaxed dinner. SooSoo Restaurant is a great restaurant in Tahko that opened in the fall of 2024. The food is tasty and the cocktails are delicious, and combined with the relaxed atmosphere, it is a fantastic place to eat dinner. I recommend ordering the Maple Sticky Chicken. If you want to order a cocktail, I recommend trying the one made with locally distilled gin.
It is closed on Sunday and Monday. In case you are in Tahko on those days, the nearby Hillside Restaurant is a good alternative.
If you want to have a drink after dinner, I recommend heading to Hophaus where you can try the organic gin or rye whiskey distilled at the Hophaus Distillery. I can attest to the fact that the gin tastes great. They had live music when I visited and there is also a more pub-like section away from the music, so it is the perfect venue to end the day.
Where to Stay in Tahko
Break Sokos Hotel
Recently refurbished and expanded, the Break Sokos Hotel Tahko is a great place to stay right in the heart of Tahko. The newly opened section of the hotel has spacious rooms, and if you book a room on the side facing Tahko Mountain, you will have a great view of the ski slopes.
It is the ideal hotel if you want to eat out and go for a drink in the evening, as it is close to all of the ski resort’s best restaurants and bars. Additionally, it is also only 350 meters away from the ski lift.
There is a yoga room as well as a spa area with saunas and jacuzzis on the top floor.
There are four restaurants inside the hotel, and you eat breakfast at Hillside restaurant. The selection of the included breakfast menu is large and the food is delicious.
Panorama Landscape Hotel
If you are looking to stay in a luxurious suite with a unique mountain-top view while in Tahko, the Panorama Landscape Hotel at the top of Tahko Mountain is the ideal choice. It is a 5-star hotel that offers four different suite types, and guests can visit the Lähde Forest Spa on-site free of charge.
Day 4: Slow-Paced Mountain Views
Have a slow start on your final day in North Savo and eat breakfast at the Hillside Restaurant of the Break Sokos Hotel – if this is your last day in Finland, you should not skip the berries that are part of the breakfast menu. Afterward, pack your bags and check out. You can leave your luggage in the storage area of the hotel and pick it up later, so you do not have to worry about it while making the most of your time in Tahko.
Winter Hike to Mäkiautio Gorge
Mäkiautio Gorge is the most interesting geological feature of the area, and while it is not always accessible in winter, it is still worth it to head to the area. After all, there is a lean-to en route which offers a great view of the area. It is only 500 meters from the Panorama parking area, which makes it a relatively short winter hike.
If the ground is not too icy, you can get to the lean-to by walking through the gorge. However, doing so is not recommended if the steps leading down into the gorge are slippery. Alternatively, you can simply walk along a multi-use trail to get to the Mäkiautio lean-to.
Once there, you can light a campfire in the fire pit and simply enjoy the winter wonderland around you. Firewood is provided, so all you have to bring is a lighter (and maybe some marshmallows).
Lunch at Havu Kitchen & Bar
After your short winter hike, it is time to eat lunch and based on my own experience, I highly recommend doing so at Havu Kitchen & Bar at the Panorama Landscape Hotel. The restaurant is located at the top of the mountain and you can enjoy a scenic view while eating.
And of course, the food is also delicious. There is a set lunch menu that changes weekly and everything from fish to meat and vegetarian options are available. I could not order anything on the menu due to dietary restrictions, and they were amazing at whipping up a tasty alternative for me.
Lähde Forest Spa
What better way is there to end your time in North Savo than to relax in a spa located at the top of a mountain? Lähde Forest Spa is part of the Panorama Landscape Hotel complex, but thankfully, it is open to the public.
Spend some time soaking in the heat in the soot sauna, sauna on the tree tops, or laude sauna, while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding area, before heading to the pools.
There are two outdoor pools as well as three smaller pools inside a pavilion. One of the outdoor pools has a soothing water temperature of 37°C, while the other pool is fed by mountain springs and offers a revitalizing ice bath in 4°C cold water.
It is an adults-only spa – something that is quite rare in Finland – so Lähde Forest Spa provides an especially peaceful atmosphere. If you do not feel like spending all your time in the saunas and pools, you can also relax in the cozy pavilion with a fireplace.
For 49€ per person, you can book a two-hour session in this tranquil spa. No more than 50 people are allowed to visit the spa at a time, so I recommend booking your visit in advance. You can do so here. Towels, slippers, and sauna cloth are provided, so you only have to bring swimwear.
Onwards Journey
If you leave the North Savo region on day 4, it is best to head back to Kuopio so you can return your rental car no later than 2 PM. However, you could also extend your stay for another night and only travel onwards the next morning.
In case you are heading back to Helsinki, you should take the last direct train of the day that departs at 5 PM and arrives in Helsinki at 9:45 PM.
Should you have more time to explore Finland, I highly recommend heading onwards to Oulu at the Bothnian Bay. The city is the 2026 European Capital of Culture and offers all kinds of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that you cannot do elsewhere. The last train of the day departs Kuopio at 6:38 PM (Sunday – Friday) or 3:39 PM (Saturday). The travel time is 4:06 h to 4:32 h. Be sure to read my article about visiting Oulu in winter.
North Savo Itinerary Map
If you are planning a winter trip to North Savo, this map will help you visualize where the locations and activities are. All significant locations listed in this itinerary are marked on the map and sorted by date.
I recommend creating a copy of the map so you can add or remove points of interest while planning your own trip to Kuopio and Tahko!
How to copy the map? Click on the image to open the map > click on the three dots in the red box > select ‘copy map’
How to get around Lakeland Finland
When you visit Kuopio and Tahko in winter, the best way to get around is to rent a car in Kuopio – you can pick up your rental car at Kuopio Airport or at the train station. Doing so allows you to make the most of your time and is also the only way to get to all destinations listed in this itinerary without frequently taking a taxi. Given that the distances you will be driving are quite moderate, you do not need a rental car with unlimited mileage.
In Finland, it is compulsory to have winter tires from December 1 to March 1, but you do not have to worry about it, as all reputable car rental companies only rent out cars with winter tires during this period of time (or if the road conditions require them).
If you prefer not to drive, you can take taxis to get around in the cities and take the bus to get to Tahko. Please note that there is only one daily bus (61T) during the winter months. It departs Kuopio in the late afternoon. As such, you would have to adjust your travel plans accordingly.
Travel Tips for Winter Adventures in Finland
If you are planning a trip to Lakeland Finland, and specifically Kuopio and Tahko, these destination-specific travel tips will be useful:
Wear several layers. — The Finnish winter is cold, so you have to dress accordingly. You’ll want to wear a thermal base layer, a fleece mid-layer, and a water and wind-proof insulating outer layer. If you travel there in January, you might even want to add an additional fleece layer. Tour operators often provide snowsuits, but you’ll want to wear the base and mid-layer underneath the suit.
Good winter boots are a must. — As is the case with clothes, you need shoes that will keep your feet warm even when the temperature drops to -20°C (-4°F). As such, I highly recommend buying a good pair of winter boots. I bought a pair of Baffin Chloe boots and absolutely love them. Moon Boots are also a popular option.
Bring swimwear. — After a day of exploring, a sauna visit is the best. As such, you will need swimwear to enter public saunas in Kuopio and Tahka. If you want to ice bath, it is also a good idea to bring thin gloves.
Book your activities and accommodations in adventure. — Lakeland Finland might not be Lapland, but it is still best to book everything well in advance. After all, you do not want to miss out on amazing accommodations and winter activities!
What is the best time to visit Kuopio & Tahko?
If you want to visit North Savo in winter, you can technically plan a trip anytime between December and April. However, you will want to avoid planning your trip during the Finnish Christmas Holidays (around December 20 to January 6) as well as the Finnish Winter Holidays in weeks 8 to 10 of the year.
Weekends tend to be busier in Kuopio and Tahko, so you should book weekend activities early.
Travelers looking to avoid the crowds should head to the region between weeks 2 and 6 as well as weeks 14 to 15 of the year. These periods are considered the low season during winter time.
You can expect subzero average temperatures from December to February. January is usually the coldest month.
Another thing to consider when making your travel plans is the daylight hours. Around the winter solstice on December 21 or 22, there are only 4:46 hours of daylight in addition to 2:21 hours of civil twilight.
As such, you will have limited time during which you can do many of the daytime winter activities in the North Savo region if you travel there around Christmas time. By mid-January, you will already have 5:58 hours of daylight and by early March it will be 10:30 hours. I was in the region during the mid-January low season, and it was great.
Is North Savo worth visiting in winter?
While Lakeland Finland as a whole is most commonly known as a summer destination, it is well worth exploring in winter. After all, North Savo offers everything travelers look for when dreaming of a winter getaway to Finland. With its breathtaking snowy landscapes, skiing resorts like Tahko, relaxing saunas, outdoor activities in the snow, frozen lakes, and cozy cabins, the region is one of the country’s most underrated winter destinations.
I certainly loved my time there, and while I would love to explore the area in summer, I will be sure to return there in winter so I can hit the slopes in Tahko, do a longer snowmobile safari and once again stay at the Bella Lake Resort in Kuopio.
North Savo is the ideal location for a winter getaway away from the crowds. If you follow this itinerary, you will have the perfect combination of relaxation and outdoor adventures. I promise that Kuopio and Tahko will more than exceed your expectations!
More about Finland
If you are interested in outdoor adventures in Finland, you might also be interested in these guides:
Oulu in Winter
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Thank you for sharing this wonderful guide to North Savo! I love how the itinerary blends thrilling outdoor adventures with peaceful relaxation in such a beautiful region. The descriptions of Puijo Peak and the Kuopion Saana Spa sound so inviting. I can’t wait to explore this hidden gem in Finland and experience the unique winter magic for myself.
Hello, I have been following your travels for a while. And as I read your Articles, I discover fascinating places. There is no question mark in my mind about the place you went to because you are already curious and explanatory . I want to say that you are a very good guide. In this article, Thanks to you, I have determined where I should have breakfast and where I should have dinner ,i even know what should be in my suitcase And about the themed nature trail walk, snow tubing, revolving restaurant, Finnish saunas, dreamy Suits, huskies and more , I’m ready for this trip . Finally, the photos are very beautiful ☺️